Which combining form means renal pelvis? pyel/o or py/o
The correct answer and explanation is :
The combining form that means renal pelvis is pyel/o.
Explanation:
The renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure located at the center of each kidney, where urine collects before being funneled into the ureter for excretion. The term “pyel/o” is derived from the Greek word “pyelos,” which refers to a “basin” or “pelvis,” specifically referring to the renal pelvis. It is used in medical terminology to describe conditions, procedures, and structures related to the renal pelvis.
For example:
- Pyelitis refers to an infection or inflammation of the renal pelvis.
- Pyeloplasty refers to a surgical procedure performed to repair the renal pelvis, often due to an obstruction or other structural issue.
On the other hand, py/o is a combining form meaning pus and is used in terms related to the presence of pus, often as a result of infection or inflammation. Examples include:
- Pyogenic meaning producing or generating pus.
- Pyoderma meaning a skin infection that produces pus.
While py/o relates to the presence of pus and infections, pyel/o specifically refers to the renal pelvis.
Understanding these combining forms is essential in medical terminology as they help describe various body parts and their associated conditions. Knowing that pyel/o specifically refers to the renal pelvis can assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the kidneys and urinary system. For example, when a patient has a kidney infection that affects the renal pelvis, the correct term would be pyelonephritis, which refers to an infection of the renal pelvis and kidney tissue.
In summary, the correct combining form for renal pelvis is pyel/o, not py/o, which refers to pus.